Z3 Winter on jack stands

Unfortunately, Colorado DOT believes in the merits of Magnesium Chloride regarding melting ice on roadways. While it might eat through ice, it also eats cars. As such, I will be parking my 97 Z3 for the winter. Any advice on jack stand placement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

I have stored my Z3 and my M roadster during the winters for the last 11 years. I have never used jack stands as I was told that allowing the suspension to hang was not good for it. I purchased some thick foam mats and park the car on the mats, than air the tires to max pressure. I release the air pressure in the spring before driving the car and have never had an issue. (this is in addition to the numerous other things I do first, like filling the tank, wash, wax, vacuum, cover, etc. the car!)

I have stored my Z3 and my M roadster during the winters for the last 11 years. I have never used jack stands as I was told that allowing the suspension to hang was not good for it. I purchased some thick foam mats and park the car on the mats, than air the tires to max pressure. I release the air pressure in the spring before driving the car and have never had an issue. (this is in addition to the numerous other things I do first, like filling the tank, wash, wax, vacuum, cover, etc. the car!)

+1 I store my E30 M3 every winter. Up the tire pressures to max and have never had a flat spotting issue. Full tank of gas is important to keep moister out, especially if you have a metal tank, not sure if the Z3s do or not. You don't want the tank to rust. Water can condense on the inside if you have a less than full tank.

I would also suggest the correct amount of fuel stabilizer, you can get it at your local, Pep Boys, AutoZone, etc. The container tells you how much to put in. Add before you top off your tank, the adding of fuel will help mix it in.

I have been lucky I guess, I have never used a fuel stabilizer, just filled to the top and a shot if Red Line's SI-1 injector cleaner, come spring she has fired right up and ran fine! However I am sure the stabilizer can not hurt.

I started using the fuel stabilizer after one spring I could hear engine knock and it did not have the power it normally did. Fuel does loose octane over time. So it is a pretty cheap way to keep the octane up over the winter.

I agree that you should not let the suspension hang. If you did put it on jacks at least pull the tires to take the weight off the suspension.

My big concern with letting it sit is leaving the engine dead for so long. I would start it at least every two weeks so your bearings don't go dry. Luckily I don't have the cold weather issue here in TX.

I was advised against running the engine in the garage due to it actually never getting to full operational temps. I used a battery maintenance charger and 55k later have never had any issues! (fingers crossed)

You definitely want to park it hot. That way there is no water in the exhaust to start rust. It would also be my concern about running it for a few minutes in the garage. You will just put water vapor into the exhaust and then it will sit there. My M3 sits all winter without starting and I have had no issues. I disconnect the battery, although it is an E30 so there is very little to reprogram when reattaching. Do what you are most comfortable doing. If you can run it on a dry day, then that won't hurt anything!

I was deployed for 15 months and put my Z3 M Coupe and Roadster in storage.In addition to above items, I pulled the spark plugs and sprayed "fogging oil" into the cylinders. Large container of "Damp-Rid" on the passenger side floor. Only problem when I got home was a dead five year old OEM battery.